FAQs – NewsX
1. What is NewsX?
NewsX is a British-registered Community Interest Company (CIC). We exist for one purpose: journalism.
2. Why a CIC?
Because news is not meant to be a profit machine. Our revenues cover the costs of independent journalism. All income goes to paying editorial teams. Managerial and admin salaries are capped. No shareholders, no investors to please — just journalism.
3. How has technology changed journalism?
Search engines and social media should have made news gathering easier. Instead, their dominance has polarised the media landscape and distorted priorities. NewsX works to reclaim technology for journalism — maximising its potential while resisting manipulation.
4. Does NewsX use AI?
We see AI as a tool, not a replacement. Human editors still decide what matters. Our focus is on original content — the kind of work that AI will ultimately need as a source.
5. What about algorithms?
Editorial decisions at NewsX are made by people. But distribution is influenced by algorithms, and we constantly challenge them with original stories that break the mould.
6. What’s NewsX’s view on social media?
It’s useful — but it should never set the agenda. We treat it as a tool for distribution and discovery, not the foundation of journalism. We also work with social platforms to secure special privileges for editorial teams to engage with communities.
7. How does NewsX provide content to media partners?
Web publishing has created an endless appetite for content. Too often, that’s filled with disguised PR or “native advertising.” NewsX offers fresh, independent news at almost no cost, in exchange for guaranteed usage and proper accreditation.
8. How does NewsX ensure credibility and accuracy?
Every story goes through a 10-step editorial process, guided by a clear code of conduct and style guide. Peer review is constant. Communities reflect society across the spectrum, creating a newsfeed that is endlessly self-correcting.
9. How is NewsX different from Reuters or AP?
Traditional agencies create content designed to fit as many markets as possible. NewsX produces exclusive, tailored content for partners — cheaper, more flexible, and more independent.
10. What is the 10-step editorial process?
From idea to final edit, every story is checked, cross-checked, illustrated, edited, polished, legally reviewed, and subbed before distribution. Each stage adds rigour and accountability.
11. What does decentralisation mean for NewsX?
Decentralisation gives journalists freedom within shared values. Communities form around interests, regions, or languages. Media partners choose the content streams that fit them best. Independence and diversity are built in.
12. Has NewsX ever published a significant story?
Yes. In nearly 30 years we have had more than 100,000 stories published, ranging from hard-hitting investigations to viral content seen worldwide. Our work has included:
- A Paul Foot Award for a series of articles on trafficking for the Sunday Telegraph.
- Award-winning books and documentaries.
- Viral exclusives that frequently become the most discussed stories on global social platforms like Facebook.
13. Does NewsX use Blockchain?
We are exploring ways Blockchain could help fund independent journalism and strengthen transparency. At present, it is not part of our core system.
14. How are editorial costs covered without charging partners?
We act as a major publisher without competing for advertising. Content is independent. Editorial and commercial remain strictly separate. Our model ensures integrity without undermining partners.
15. What’s the role of community editors?
They are at the heart of NewsX. Local and specialist editors connect with communities, rebuild trust, and keep journalism grounded.
16. How can mainstream media collaborate with NewsX?
We can provide tailored versions of stories, ensure proper accreditation, and even allow partners to commission exclusive content. Unlike publishers, we’re not competing for end users — our partners are newsdesks.
17. Why does a code of conduct matter?
Because it separates journalism from activism, PR, or self-promotion. Only work produced under a code of conduct can truly be called journalism.
18. What kinds of ethical questions does the code address?
From whether subterfuge can ever be justified, to whether you can pay an informant. The code and style guide hold answers built on years of newsroom practice.
19. How is the code enforced?
Through peer review. Journalists hold each other accountable. No vested interests, no blurred lines between editorial and advertising. Our reputation, and that of our partners, depends on it.
20. What is a byline brand?
Every journalist has a unique byline — one name, one reputation. Protecting it means producing accurate, independent work. The byline becomes your personal brand in the NewsX ecosystem.
21. How does NewsX handle press releases?
Press releases are judged on merit. The only thing you can “buy” is feedback on why a release was rejected. This forces PR to become newsworthy — rebuilding trust in the process.
22. What happens if someone breaks the code?
Their byline brand can be suspended or banned. In NewsX, protecting your brand is protecting your membership.
23. What are the benefits of following the code?
Credibility. Stronger content leads to stronger partners, bigger stories, and greater access. Peer reputation is everything.
24. What’s the history of NewsX’s token ideas?
More than 20 years ago, the team behind NewsX experimented with early “coin-for-news” trading via the Yousdesk project. That experience informed our current thinking about integrating tokens into a sustainable system.
25. What are NewsX’s initial goals?
To build sustainable independent journalism from decentralised communities across regions, languages, and specialisms.
26. How might tokens support the future of NewsX?
We are exploring token systems as a transparent way to fund journalism, support contributors, and give partners more flexibility. Any integration will be gradual, tested, and aligned with our values.
27. Are NFTs part of NewsX?
Not yet. We are exploring ways that NFTs could be used to verify press cards, strengthen byline brands, or create new funding tools. For now, they remain a future option.
28. What benefits could NFTs bring if integrated?
Potential benefits include:
- Verifiable digital credentials for journalists.
- New ways to fund training, accreditation, or investigative projects.
- Unique membership privileges for contributors and partners.
These ideas are still under review and not yet active.
29. How would renewals or licences work if NFTs were used?
If integrated, NFTs could be issued as annual or multi-year credentials. This concept is being explored but is not live.
30. What’s the cost of a NewsX membership or press card?
Membership fees are set transparently to cover operating costs. Additional services — such as a physical “Newshound” press card — may be offered as part of evolving membership tiers.
31. Why link community editors to tokens or NFTs?
In the future, requiring digital credentials could ensure accountability and commitment. This is an idea under exploration, not current practice.
32. Will NewsX release coins or tokens?
Possibly. Any release would be tightly controlled, to support ecosystem costs or stability. We are not rushing this and will test carefully before adoption.
33. How would token pricing be stabilised?
If tokens are introduced, we would manage supply to prevent volatility, protecting contributors and partners.
34. Can I send a press release to NewsX journalists?
Not yet. The system must be established enough to guarantee fair coverage. In future, there may be structured ways to submit material — always filtered through journalistic standards.